UK sanctions Iran interior minister, others, over protester crackdown

The UK sanctions 10 individuals, including Iran’s interior minister and police chiefs, for their roles in “recent brutality against protesters,” the British Foreign Ministry says.

Those sanctioned include the Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FARAJA), Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, two Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) officers, an Iranian businessman linked to the IRGC and two judges.

“The Iranian people have shown extreme courage in the face of brutality and repression over recent weeks simply for exercising their right to peaceful protest,” says UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper.

“The reports and shocking scenes of violence that have been seen around the world are horrific,” Cooper says, adding that this package of sanctions seeks to hold Iran’s authorities “to account” for the crackdown.

The measures involve asset freezes and travel bans, the government says.

Iran’s authorities have claimed that the protests, which were sparked by economic strain and exploded in size and intensity over several days in early January, turning into anti-regime demonstrations, were “riots” inflamed by its arch foes, the United States and Israel.

Tehran has acknowledged thousands of deaths during the protests, and on Sunday the presidency published the names of 2,986 people out of the 3,117 whom authorities said were killed in the unrest.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it has confirmed 6,842 deaths, mostly protesters killed by security forces, though rights groups warn that the figure is likely far higher.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.